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Dissolution Committee moves next meeting to April 10

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 March 2014 at 12:00 am

MEDINA – A committee preparing a dissolution plan for the village of Medina has moved back its next meeting by a week. The Medina Dissolution Committee will next meet at 8 a.m. on April 10 at City Hall on Main Street.

One of the committee members couldn’t be at the April 3 meeting, so it was pushed back a week, said Don Colquhoun, the committee chairman.

The committee expects to have data soon on how a village dissolution would affect tax rates for property in the village and also outside the village in the towns of Ridgeway and Shelby.

The consultants on the dissolution plan, the Center for Governmental Research, said the Medina community would see $1 million in local tax savings through a dissolution of the village with about $350,000 in reduced operational costs and $650,000 in additional state aid.

The $350,000 in savings represent about 3.2 percent of the combined $11 million budgets for the village and the two towns. The impact could have been greater, but a dissolution committee wants to preserve services and staff at existing levels.

Hey Ridgeway and Shelby – What is your plan for the Village of Medina?

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2014 at 12:00 am

Editorial

Town officials from Ridgeway and Shelby have come out strong in the past two weeks, blaming the village of Medina for doing a poor job of keeping residents apprised of a possible village dissolution.

The two towns have used taxpayer dollars to send out a mailer offering “facts” about the dissolution. This mailer went out right before the village election and helped elect two write-in candidates over incumbents who favored looking into dissolution.

The two towns have an ad on Orleans Hub, promoting “Cares and Concerns” hotline. Residents are encouraged to “record your questions and concerns about the proposed dissolution of the Village of Medina.”

They have two Facebook pages – “Medina Dissolution Facts”and “Dissolution Facts” – devoted to dissolution, offering to take all questions and provide answers that are not forthcoming from the village.

The towns have criticized the village for not being more public about the dissolution meetings and documents, but yet the hotline is a private line and the questions can only be seen by the towns. The Facebook pages only seem to allow public posts from the towns’ point of view. Medina Andrew Meier posted on the page but his comments were taken down. So was a story from Medina Journal-Register reporter Howard Balaban. He checked with the state, which said promised state aid for a dissolution was a sure thing, forever. That is about $650,000 in extra state aid annually to the community. The towns took down the link to Balaban’s article.

The towns owe it to the community to say who is running this page. Are the five members from each Town Board united in every comment? Or is one town official managing the site? Or is someone being paid to run the pages?

And why aren’t comments allowed to stay on the page, especially from the village mayor who is seeking to offer the village’s side of the story? The towns proclaim these sites are a forum, but they seem very one-sided, with the towns trying to control the information.

That is no way for a democracy to function, especially when people – according to the towns – are hungry for “facts” about the dissolution.

Better yet, the towns should put out their plan for what would happen with a village dissolution. Town officials have been dismissive of the entire dissolution process, saying studies are a waste of money because the two towns don’t have to follow the Dissolution Committee’s recommended plan. Well, Shelby and Ridgeway Town Boards, what exactly is your plan?

Village residents very well could vote later this year to dissolve the village, and then it will be up to the towns to plow village streets and provide some services. The Dissolution Committee has tried to come up with an orderly dissolution plan for fire, police, water, sewer and other services. Ridgeway and Shelby have only said they don’t have to follow this plan.

The towns claim the public has been left in the dark about dissolution, but the meetings have been heavily covered in local media. The Center for Governmental Research has a trove of documents on its web site about the dissolution process so far.

The village and the Dissolution Committee are planning public hearings after a dissolution plan is voted on the Dissolution Committee. The towns are blaming the committee and village for not presenting a plan that has not yet fully taken shape.

The towns are trying to undermine the village’s elected leaders, to make them appear they are running a clandestine operation.

The towns for years have paid little attention to the village, despite village residents accounting for about half the population in the two towns.

Village residents pay a $16.45 village tax rate. If you have a $70,000 house, that is a crushing tax bill for about $1,150 in June. The village residents also get hit with a town tax bill in January. The Ridgeway rate is $3.10 per $1,000 and Shelby taxes village residents at a $3.42 rate.

Village residents also pay a $23.85 rate to the school district, a $10.11 rate to the county and a $1.30 rate to the library. The combined tax burden for village of Medina residents is the highest in the Finger Lakes region.

The Village Board is trying to do something about a tax burden that overwhelms many residents, the senior citizens on fixed incomes and families trying to live in Medina.

The Town Boards owe it to the community to weigh in with solutions and ideas for reducing that tax burden. That would make for a lively Facebook page.

Medina Village Board cries foul over mailer from 2 towns

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 March 2014 at 12:00 am

Ridgeway supervisor says town is gauging public sentiment

MEDINA – Town officials from Shelby and Ridgeway on Friday sent a mailer to residents in the village of Medina and the two towns, offering to set the record straight about the village’s dissolution.

The letter matched one from December, which was published on the Orleans Hub and in other local media. (Click here to see it.)

Village Board members question why the two towns would send the letter a few days before the village election, especially when the letter was first published nearly three months ago.

“The timing is overtly political, which is troubling for a taxpayer-funded mailer,” said Andrew Meier, the village mayor.

Brian Napoli, the Ridgeway town supervisor, said Ridgeway and Shelby officials “wanted to get some facts out” about the dissolution, which he said is a concern of many residents in the community.

The timing of the letter wasn’t intended to influence the village election, which is on Tuesday, Napoli said.

“It’s when we were able to put it together,” he said getting the mailer to residents.

The two towns also took out an ad on Orleans Hub, advertising a hotline for people to share their concerns and questions about the dissolution. Napoli faulted the Village Board for not putting out more information about the dissolution.

“We’re gauging public sentiment,” he said.

Three incumbents – Meier for mayor, and trustees Patricia Crowley and David Barhite – appeared to be unopposed for two-year terms until Mike Sidari and Marguerite Sherman announced a write-in campaign for trustees last week.

The two write-in candidates sent out a flyer on Friday with instructions about filling out a write-in ballot.

The five-member Village Board – Meier, Barhite, Crowley, Mark Kruzynski and Mark Irwin – put out a press release on Saturday in response to the mailer from the towns.

“The letter contains many inaccuracies and omissions, and we wish to clarify,” the board said.

Here is the full news release from the Village Board:

First, some background: “Dissolution” is a legal process by which village government is wound up and its functions transferred to the towns or other entities. Dissolution does not impact our Post Office addresses, which would remain “Medina, New York, 14103,” nor the school, which would remain the Medina Central School District. “Medina” would remain a community with a place on the map due to its population concentration.

The Village began investigating the possibility of Dissolution after the Towns declined the Village’s numerous requests to pursue a 3-way municipal consolidation. Last summer, the Village Board appointed an independent committee to prepare a Dissolution Plan. Members are Don Colquhoun, Charlie Slack, Andrew Meier, Cindy Robinson, Mark Irwin and Thurston Dale.

The committee is working with the Center for Governmental Research (CGR), project consultant, to gather the data and propose a plan so the Village Board and residents can make an informed decision on how to proceed. Meetings have been open to the public and well attended.

Although the committee has already made many decisions, this process is not yet complete, nor is the tax impact known. The draft plan should be ready for public dissemination next month. Once the draft is complete, several public hearings will be held on the plan before it is presented to the Village Board. Then, the Village Board would determine whether or not to put the plan to a public referendum.

In preparing the plan, the committee decided that the final plan should:

1. Keep as many services in place as possible – such as fire, ambulance service, and police;

2. Minimize the impact of a dissolution on village employees;

3. Be implemented to the maximum extent possible by the Village Board, not the Town Boards; and

4. Require as few approvals of the State Legislature as possible.

As has been reported widely in local media, the committee has already recommend the retention of a paid police department, retention of a paid professional fire department and ambulance service, retention of local control over water and sewer infrastructure, and pay-down of village debt. Most other functions transfer to the Towns by law. While the cost and tax impacts of these recommendations will be fully known next month, CGR has projected that the plan would benefit our municipal budgets by about $1 million annually.

The Town’s letter contains several inaccurate and/or incomplete statements, as follows:

1. Police Department – An option not contemplated by the letter, and endorsed by the committee, is the creation of a town-wide police force, which would maintain local control over policing. Village police personnel would transfer to the new department, and the Towns would be responsible to create it. A special district for police was not recommended.

2. Fire and Ambulance Service – The committee recommends the creation of a Fire District to continue this service. Formation of the District and appointment of initial fire commissioners would be undertaken prior to dissolution by the Village Board, not the Town Boards. The Fire District would then carry on the paid fire and ambulance service, much as it works today.

3. Water/Sewer Service – The option selected by the committee was not mentioned in the Town’s letter: continuation of the service through a Local Development Corporation. The Village Board would form the corporation and transfer its water and sewer assets into the corporation prior to dissolution, which would continue to operate the water and sewer system after dissolution seamlessly. No action from the Town Boards or the State Legislature would be required.

4. Timing – the letter states that there would be only 18 months after a dissolution vote, if approved, before the village dissolves. This is not set in stone. The dissolution committee and Village Board can select any time frame for dissolution, which could be several years. Our Board would opt for a longer window that provides the Towns sufficient lead time to complete an orderly transition.

As the plan is finally released, we urge all residents to consider the entire plan, not just unrelated pieces. We also invite all Town and Village residents to attend the upcoming public hearings to learn about all options considered, which options were recommended, and what the impact would be on taxpayers and employees. Only then can any of us make an informed decision about our community’s future.

Getting in the St. Pat’s spirit

Staff Reports Posted 13 March 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Peggy Barringer

SHELBY – A Shelby resident is looking forward to Saint Patrick’s Day, which will be celebrated on Monday.

Albion resident Peggy Barringer passed by the property on Fletcher Chapel Road on Sunday and couldn’t resist taking a couple pictures.

Maple farmer known for his sweet soul

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2014 at 12:00 am

Terry Laubisch, 66, owned Flyway Farm in Shelby

Photo by Tom Rivers – Terry Laubisch posed for this picture on Feb. 3, 2012, part of a series of portraits of farmers and their hands. Mr. Laubisch died on Feb. 20.

SHELBY – Drive on Route 63 in Shelby and you’ll see a sign for Flyway Farms, noting a maple syrup producer is on West Shelby Road.

Many maple producers in the state have the signs on state highways, pointing potential customers to sugar shacks on rural roads. Terry Laubisch pushed for the signs more than a decade ago. He saw how vineyards and wine trails used the roadside signs to brand their product and help promote tourism.

The Flyway sign near Laubisch’s farm was the first for all the maple producers in the state. It’s one of the many ways Laubisch helped promote the maple industry in New York, which is the country’s second-leading maple producer behind only Vermont.

“That really helped get customers out there to some of the places off the beaten path,” said Lyle Merle, a maple producer from Attica.

Laubisch was 66 when he died on Feb. 20. He was a participant in the popular Maple Weekend events in March, when producers opened their sugar shacks to the public. Laubisch saw the weekend as another way for maple producers to promote their industry.

“He was creative and innovative and always looking for new ways to do things,” Merle said.

Laubisch and Merle had a friendly rivalry every State Fair when their syrup and maple flavored products were judged. Laubisch perennially challenged for some of the most prestigious awards. He took pride in the quality of his syrup.

He urged the other producers to use the blue ribbons and awards to help brand NY maple as a superior product and to help the individual farms sell their syrup.

File photo by Tom Rivers – Terry Laubisch opened Flyway Farm in 1990. He tapped 900 maple trees.

The other producers welcomed Laubisch’s ideas, whether it was in selling the syrup or trying technology and techniques for tapping trees and making maple products. However, one time Laubisch had an idea that had the other producers shaking their heads in disbelief.

Laubisch saw the popularity of cotton candy and he thought a maple-flavored cotton candy would be a big seller. The cotton candy machine would have to be altered for maple, and Laubisch talked the manufacturer into making the changes.

“We thought it was crazy,” Merle said.

Maple cotton candy has been a sensation at the State Fair in recent years. Laubisch was often behind the booth, volunteering and happily selling the treat.

“I was impressed with that,” Merle said. “He found a way to make it happen.”

Laubisch and his wife Pat tapped about 900 trees for Flyway Farm. They attended many industry events. Mrs. Laubisch said her husband liked to experiment with maple and growing orchids. If Laubisch was involved in something, he gave it his full attention, his wife said.

“He was a special man who did it all and did it in a big way,” she said.

Laubisch first tapped trees and captured the sap with lasagna pans. He learned to use sophisticated equipment, and had a network of tubes to collect and move the sap at his maple farm.

When he made a discovery or perfected a process, Laubisch would eagerly share what he learned. He taught maple classes at the Erie County and State Fairs. He served as a director on the NYS Maple Producers Association and also was a president for the NYS Maple Foundation.

“Whatever Terry got into, he jumped in with both feet,” his wife said.

Friends and family celebrated his life this past Saturday during a memorial service at East Shelby Community Bible Church. For many summers, Laubisch and his wife manned the candy store at the church’s Old Fashioned Day celebration.

Radio tower goes up in Shelby

Staff Reports Posted 7 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo by Gary Hill

Workers are putting up the 180-foot-high radio tower in Shelby on Route 31A next to the village of Medina’s water tank. Gary Hill took this photo of Patriot Towers workers on Thursday. They are using a crane from CP Ward in Rochester.

The first of three new radio towers has been built as part of the county’s new radio system. The first tower was constructed on West Countyhouse Road in Albion. A tower will also be built in Clarendon near the highway garage on Route 31A.

The towers are part of $7.1 million upgrade to the county’s emergency communications system. The project is rebuilding the emergency communications system, including 1,100 reprogrammed portable radios and an upgraded dispatch center.

$45K grant from National Grid will help make 2 sites shovel ready

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 January 2014 at 12:00 am

File photo by Tom Rivers – The Orleans Economic Development Agency is working for certified shovel ready status for the Medina Business Park on Bates Road.

MEDINA – National Grid will pay $45,000 towards advancing two sites in the Medina area, making them “certified shovel ready” for businesses looking to build in Orleans County.

The grant from National Grid is planned to go towards engineering, borings, wetlands identification and other permitting issues for the Medina Business Park and a 120-acre cow pasture on Route 31A.

“We’re going to cut down the time to put the shovel in the ground,” said Gabrielle Barone, vice president of business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

The cow pasture is used by the Keppeler family. The land will give the Orleans EDA perhaps the largest site of certified shovel ready property in Western New York, EDA officials said Friday.

The Medina Business Park has 65 acres on Bates Road. Both sites have water and sewer access, and they fall within the eligibility zone for cheap hydropower electricity through the Niagara Power Project.

National Grid approved a matching grant to clear hurdles that sometimes slow down the permitting and development process.

“We’re taking it to the highest level we can take it,” Barone said about the certified shovel ready status.

Medina and Shelby have both committed $20,000 towards the costs of obtaining shovel ready status. The EDA has agreed to spend $4,367.75 from the Orleans Land Restoration Corporation.

To reach “shovel ready” status, the sites need nearly $90,000 of services, including boundary, topographical and survey work ($26,010); geotechnical information ($16,000); concept plans and traffic study ($15,000); State Historic Preservation Office application ($1,500); environmental impact report ($3,500); meetings and coordination with Empire State Development ($15,000) and an application to Empire State Development for “shovel ready” status for the site ($7,500). The costs also include a 5 percent contingency for $4,225.50.

Swallow Hollow loop partially closed

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 January 2014 at 12:00 am

SHELBY – A popular nature trail is partially shut down after a tree fell, crushing a portion of the boardwalk at Swallow Hollow. The Iroquois Wildlife Refuge has closed a section of the 1.3-mile trail until the tree is removed and the boardwalk is repaired.

“Until the trail is cleared, visitors should stay away from the area and use the north side of the trail as an in and out walk,” said Paul Hess of the refuge. “We will try to have the entire trail back open as soon as possible.”

Albion woman escapes serious injury after struck by truck in Shelby

Posted 1 January 2014 at 12:00 am

Press release, Orleans County Undersheriff Steve Smith

SHELBY – An Albion woman escaped serious injury last night after being struck by a pick-up truck in the town of Shelby.

The incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 in the 11800 block of Maple Ridge Road (State Route 31-A).

Amber S. Holloway, 22, was crossing the road when she was struck by a westbound pick-up operated by David C. Erway, 27, of Albion.

Holloway was transported by Medina Fire Department ambulance to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo where she was treated, and released shortly before 2 this morning. Erway was not injured.

The incident occurred in a section of highway where there is no artificial lighting. Holloway told deputies that she was walking home after consuming alcohol at a private residence. Neither alcohol nor unsafe speed on the part of Erway were contributing factors.

The incident was investigated by Deputy D.S. Klips, assisted by Lieutenant R.E. Perry.

Driver in fatal accident identified

Posted 26 December 2013 at 5:31 pm

Press release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department

SHELBY – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the names of the individuals involved in a one-vehicle crash earlier today in the town of Shelby.

The driver of the 1998 Pontiac sedan is identified as David M. Russo, 43, of Stafford in Genesee County.  Russo was pronounced dead at Medina Memorial Hospital at 12:31 p.m.

A female passenger in Russo’s car is identified as Lisa A. Stanley, 40, of Le Roy in Genesee County.  Ms. Stanley was treated at MMH and was then transferred to Highland Hospital in Rochester.

While the incident remains under investigation, it’s apparent that weather and slippery road conditions were contributing factors.

Man dies in Route 63 accident in refuge

Posted 26 December 2013 at 2:15 pm

Press release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department

SHELBY – A man is dead and his female passenger hospitalized following a one-vehicle crash in the town of Shelby at about 11:35 a.m. today.

The incident occurred on South Gravel Road (State Route 63) between Oak Orchard Ridge Road and the Genesee-Orleans County Line in the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

The vehicle was travelling south on Rt. 63 when the driver apparently lost control.  The vehicle crossed the center line, ran off the east side of the roadway, and overturned before coming to rest upside down in flooded swampland.

A Shelby Fire Department pumper was utilized to drag the vehicle out of the water and back onto the roadway.  Both occupants were extricated by firefighters and transported by ground ambulances to Medina Memorial Hospital.

The man was pronounced dead at 12:31 p.m.  The female passenger is currently being treated.  Names are being withheld pending next-of-kin notifications.

Deputy J.W. Halstead responded to the incident. He was assisted by Sergeants D.W. Covis and G.T. Gunkler, and Investigator C.L. Black.  State Troopers stationed at both Albion and Batavia also assisted at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department.

Shelby, Ridgeway officials provide scenarios to Medina dissolution

Posted 26 December 2013 at 12:00 am

Prepared by the Town Boards of Ridgeway and Shelby

(Editor’s Note: Brian Napoli is Ridgeway town supervisor and Skip Draper is Shelby town supervisor.)

MEDINA – In an effort to dispel rumors, misunderstandings, and misconceptions concerning the possible dissolution of the Village of Medina, the following article is offered by the Town Boards of Ridgeway and Shelby to provide effected residents with factual information.

There are many issues that must be taken into account should the village dissolve. Many of them will be guided by state law. Should anyone have questions and wish to verify any of this information, they may contact the New York Department of State, New York State Attorney General’s Office, and the Office of the New York State Comptroller. They are the main sources of information and answers for questions.

The decision of whether or not to dissolve is a matter for village residents. Should this issue be brought to a referendum, only the village residents are allowed to vote. Ridgeway and Shelby residents living outside the village are not eligible. Should the village residents decide not to dissolve, this issue may not be brought up again for at least four years.

Should the voters decide to dissolve the Village of Medina, the boards of the towns of Ridgeway and Shelby have 18 months to decide what additional resources are needed to provide town services.

Also, decisions would be made regarding separation of village assets, as well as absorbing them into the respective towns. The Village Board must submit a dissolution plan to the towns. However, the towns are under no obligation to follow it.

Below is an explanation of how different departments and services will be affected should the village decide to dissolve.

Police Department – If the village dissolves, there would no longer be a Police Department. Also, any contracts dealing with the department would be dissolved along with any collective bargaining unit. The reason for this is that, according to the Attorney General’s Office, there are no longer two parties to the contract.

If the residents wish to keep the Police Department, a solution for this would be to establish a Special Police District in what was the former village. This would be paid for by the residents of the former village as a separate tax levy.  Another solution would be to ask the Sheriff’s Department to expand and establish a sub-station in the former village.

Fire Department – Because the Fire Department serves only the village, it will not be taken over by the towns. Also, any contracts for services, such as union contracts, are voided and the union bargaining unit is dissolved. The reason for this is because if the village dissolves there are no longer two parties to the contract.

Should village residents wish to keep the Fire Department, a Special Fire District must be established, much like in the towns. Also, to pay for and support this service, only residents of the former village will be charged for it as a separate tax levy.

Ambulance Service – The towns would have to determine how to provide this service. This service could remain a part of the current fire department or a separate ambulance corporation could be established.

Water/Sewer Service – This is a difficult area and one in which even the State does not know how to answer. The reason is that when the dissolution law was passed, it never foresaw a situation where a village straddles two towns. As an example, how do you divide water and sewer infrastructure? How do you divide assets (trucks, equipment)?

Again, in order to do this, a Special District would have to be established and only residents of the former village will be charged maintenance and support. Any contracts, such as union contracts, will be dissolved as there are no longer two parties to the contract.

Another possible solution for this would be to establish a Water/Sewer Authority for the former village. However, according to the Attorney General and Comptroller’s offices, special legislation would be necessary from the State. Historically, this option would take a long time and have very little chance of succeeding.

Public Works & Village Administration – These departments would dissolve with the village. The town boards would have to determine how to provide any services necessary to residents.

Debt – This is a question that was raised when dissolution was first discussed and continues to be asked. What happens to any village debt should the village dissolve?

According to the New York State Attorney General’s Office, all debt created by the village, stays with the village. What this means is any and all debt created by the village will stay in the former village and will be paid by the former village residents. It will not be dispersed throughout the towns. This will be calculated and billed to former village residents as a separate tax levy.

New York State’s Role in this Process – New York created the process by which municipalities can dissolve, however, the final decision is up to the municipalities’ residents.

A Question Continuously Asked – Where do we go from here? The answer: stay informed, ask questions, attend meetings AND, if this comes to a referendum and you are eligible to vote – PLEASE VOTE!!!

Lastly, we value your questions and welcome your comments. You may contact your Town/Village representatives as follows:

Town of Ridgeway – meets the 3rd Monday at 7p.m. at the Ridgeway Town Hall, 410 West Ave, Medina (Phone 585-798-0730)

Town of Shelby – meets the 2nd Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Shelby Town Hall, 4062 Salt Rd, Medina (Phone 585-798-3120)

Village of Medina – meets the 2nd & 4th Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Shelby Town Hall, 4062 Salt Works Rd. Medina (Phone 585-798-0710)

Car drives into flooded swamp

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 December 2013 at 12:00 am

Provided Photo

SHELBY – A Holley woman drove into the flooded Alabama swamp on Christmas eve, when Route 63 was slippery at about 4 a.m.

Kelly Ross, 41, was the lone occupant in the vehicle. She wasn’t injured, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department reported.

She lost control of the car while headed south on 63. She was driving too fast for the conditions, Undersheriff Steve Smith said today. The vehicle was towed out of the swamp by Lyons Collision of Medina.

East Shelby church welcomes public to celebrate a less frantic Christmas

Posted 8 December 2013 at 12:00 am

Gingerbread, caroling and carriage rides are part of the day

Press release, East Shelby Community Bible Church

EAST SHELBY – Have you ever wished you could celebrate Christmas the way your grandparents did – simple, no commercialism, with the emphasis on the birth of Jesus Christ?

The congregation of the East Shelby Community Bible Church would like to invite everyone to be able to do just that by joining them as they celebrate the real meaning of Christmas in West Jackson Corners. Come experience “The Smells and Tastes of Christmas Past” today from noon to 5 p.m.

Begin your afternoon in the church listening to the church’s “Band of Renown,” which will begin playing at noon. The band has been practicing for weeks to provide you with a wonderful concert of Christmas hymns and carols.

Afterwards walk across the road to West Jackson Corners and experience the true meaning of Christmas in a restored 19th century village. West Jackson Corners was the original name of East Shelby in the early 1800s.

While visiting West Jackson Corners take a sleigh ride. There will also be a special team of horses this year called “Norsk Heist.” They are Norwegian horses that are small and powerful.  Come and enjoy a sleigh ride pulled by these specialty horses.

Listen to a tale of long ago, hear the Dickinson style Christmas carolers, view the two 20-foot Christmas trees in the village square, see the lights, taste a pioneer Christmas dinner cooked over an open hearth, or sing your favorite Christmas songs along with the church choir.

Check out an old fashion toy display in the local country store, view a living manager scene in the barn at the edge of town, make an old fashioned garland with pine cones, nuts, berries and cinnamon, taste homemade hot chocolate, or just visit with the folks from West Jackson Corners.

Be sure to come back to the church and view the 16-foot Christmas tree in the church sanctuary, the candelabra ready for lighting on Christmas Eve and the traditional holiday greens decorations. While in the church sample traditional holiday snacks and desserts prepared and served by the ladies of West Jackson Corners.

As you enjoy the holiday foods, have a cup of coffee or a special Christmas punch and watch the folk dancing by some of the teens of the church.

Stop in at the 19th century parsonage next door to the church. The parsonage, restored to its 19th century splendor, will be decked out for an old fashion Christmas.

While there visitors will also have a chance to decorate a homemade gingerbread man in the kitchen, watch heritage craft demonstrations in the living room and visit the children’s craft corner. Upstairs in the parsonage is Santa’s workshop where youngsters can make their own wooden toy.

Be on hand at 4:30 p.m. when the children greet Santa Claus as he arrives by horse drawn sleigh at West Jackson Corners.

Albion man hospitalized after Shelby accident

Posted 16 October 2013 at 12:00 am

Press release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department

SHELBY – An Albion man was hospitalized on Tuesday evening following a head-on crash with an 18-wheel tractor-tanker truck.

The incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. in the 5000 block of South Gravel Road (Route 63) in the town of Shelby. Stephen G. Thomas II, 24, was driving a 1998 Buick sedan north when he crossed the center line and collided with a 2013 International tractor that was hauling a tanker trailer with refrigerated liquid oxygen.

After the collision, Thomas’s car ran off the east side of the roadway and came to a rest in a residential yard. Thomas was trapped in the car for about 45 minutes before being extricated by Shelby firefighters. He was then air-lifted to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester by Mercy Flight helicopter.

Shawn W. Scott, 32, of Derby was driving the truck. He was not injured but was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital by the Medina Fire Department ambulance as a precautionary measure.

The truck and tanker is owned by the Linde Group LLC, based in Germany with a local terminal in Buffalo. The tractor sustained heavy damage, however the tank was not compromised, nor was the approximate 800 to 1,000 gallons of liquid oxygen on board.

Representatives of the Linde Group were on scene. There was minimal spillage of diesel fuel and the hydraulic fluid was quickly contained by the fire department.

Route 63 was re-opened to traffic at 8:40 p.m. on Tuesday.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by Deputy D.S. Klips, who is assisted by Sergeant G.T. Gunkler, Lt. R.E. Perry and Chief Deputy T.L. Drennan. State troopers from the Albion barracks also assisted at the scene.